When Should My Child Have Their First Eye Exam?

As a parent, you naturally want to ensure your child’s health and well-being, and their vision is a crucial part of this. Good vision supports your child's learning, development, and ability to interact with the world around them. However, knowing when to schedule that first eye exam can sometimes feel unclear. Here’s what you need to know about when and why your child should have their first eye exam and what you can expect during the visit.
 

Why Early Eye Exams Are Important

Children's eyes develop rapidly in the early years, and vision issues can arise even before they start school. Detecting vision problems early can prevent developmental delays and improve a child’s readiness for learning and daily activities. Conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) are best treated early, giving your child the best chance for strong, healthy vision.
 

First Exam at 6 to 12 Months

Babies can’t verbalize vision issues, but an optometrist can assess eye health, check for basic eye alignment, and ensure their eyes are developing properly. This exam is a critical first step in identifying potential issues that could impact visual development.
 

Next Exam at 3 Years Old

Around age three, children are typically able to participate more actively in the eye exam, making it possible to evaluate their vision and detect early signs of refractive errors or other issues. At this age, eye coordination and depth perception are assessed to ensure healthy binocular vision.
 

Pre-School Exam

A comprehensive eye exam before starting school (around 5 to 6 years old) is essential to catch any vision issues that might hinder learning. Good vision is linked to academic performance, so ensuring your child’s eyes are ready for the demands of the classroom is a valuable step.
 

Annual Routine Exams

After the initial exams, regular check-ups are recommended annually throughout childhood. Even if your child has had no vision problems, routine exams can track their vision development and ensure they remain equipped for reading, writing, and focusing in the classroom.
 

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

Eye exams for children are tailored to be comfortable and engaging. Here’s what typically happens during a pediatric eye exam:
 

• Visual Acuity Test: For older toddlers and young children, the eye doctor may use pictures, symbols, or letters to measure how well your child can see at different distances.
   

• Eye Alignment and Movement Test: The optometrist will evaluate how well your child’s eyes work together and check for any signs of misalignment.
   

• Refraction Test: This part of the exam helps identify any refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
   

• Overall Eye Health Evaluation: The doctor will check the structure of the eye and may use a light or special tool to examine the retina, optic nerve, and other internal eye structures.
   

Signs Your Child May Need an Earlier Eye Exam

While regular eye exams are an important preventive measure, you may also notice signs that your child needs an eye exam sooner. Look out for:
 

• Frequent squinting or head tilting
   

• Sitting too close to the TV or holding books very close
   

• Rubbing their eyes often
   

• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
   

• Trouble with hand-eye coordination
   

• Avoiding activities that require visual attention, such as reading or drawing
   

If you notice any of these behaviors, schedule an eye exam promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment of vision issues can prevent potential learning difficulties and improve their quality of life.
 

Ensuring Vision Health at Brixton Eye Clinic

Taking your child to regular eye exams is a proactive step toward their lifelong visual health. By scheduling these exams as recommended, you can be confident that any issues will be addressed early and that your child’s vision will support them through every stage of development.
 

Schedule your child’s first eye exam with Brixton Eye Clinic and give them the gift of clear, healthy vision. Visit our office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, or call (405) 450-8700 to book an appointment today.